How to Apply

Study for free

Students who receive Russian government scholarships can study in the preparatory programme for free if they do not know Russian language well enough to enrol in a Russian-taught full-degree programme.  It is only possible to apply for full-tuition scholarships only through their local Rossotrudnichestvo branch. You can find more information here. 

Enrol in fee-paying programmes

International students may also apply to enrol in fee-paying preparatory programmes.

HSE International Preparatory Programmes in Russian are designed for international students who are planning to enter a Russian-taught full-degree programme at HSE or another Russian university. The courses cater to students with varying levels of Russian. Before classes begin, students are required to take an entrance test. Students are then enrolled in a course according to their test result. All international students enrolled in preparatory programmes are guaranteed a place in one of the HSE student dormitories.

HSE International Preparatory Programmes include:

• Russian as a Foreign Language course;
• General elective courses relevant to academic tracks in humanities, economics, engineering and technology. These courses are optional and are offered only if a minimum of 16 students are registered.

The maximum class size for Russian language lessons is 12 students. General elective courses are held as Russian-taught workshops in groups of 15-20 students.

After completing  a chosen preparatory programme, students take exams in Russian and in their area of study (as may be required in the programme curriculum). Those who pass the exams will receive a certificate of completion of a chosen preparatory programme. 

Information about the admissions process is available here.

The following programmes are offered: